Are we globally literate?

There is no doubt that today’s headlines generate more questions than answers. Should the United States attack North Korea and Iran or negotiate with them? What are the implications of climate change, and what should be done about it? Are tariffs a good idea? What do we owe refugees and others who want to enter our country? Should democratic countries promote democracy and human rights elsewhere? Are the United States and China heading for a second cold war – and if so, what can be done to avoid it?

I believe it is essential for every student, regardless of his or her field of study, to understand the world. Richard Hass's recent book, the world – a brief introduction, explains how the world works, how it is changing, and why it matters.

This is just what every citizen and student needs to read. As it provides us with the essential background and building blocks, we need to answer these and other crucial questions for ourselves. It will enable us to manage the outpouring of daily news. We will become more informed, discerning citizens, better able to arrive at sound, independent judgment, and to hold elected representatives to account. Those of us that read this book will be less vulnerable to being misled by politicians and others who claim to be experts.

In short, this book will make us more globally literate. Global literacy– knowing how the world works – is a MUST, as what goes on outside the country matters typically to what happens inside. All of the United States is bordered by two oceans; those oceans are not moats. And the so-called Vegas rule - what happens there stays there – does not apply in today’s globalized world to anyone anywhere. US foreign policy is uniquely American, but the world Americans attempt to shape is not. 

The tectonic plates of international relations are moving. This is a critical time to understand what is taking place around the world, why it is taking place, and how it will affect our lives. The World focuses on the essential history, what makes each region of the world tick and the many challenges globalization presents, and the most influential countries, events, and ideas.

We are all being bombarded by strong views designed to conjure up emotions over sound judgment, which makes it very grounding to have The World. It is an excellent read for every student who wants to have an informed knowledge before deciding to retweet the latest absurd article making the rounds.  

If only young students, regardless of their field of study, knew more about the world. This book comes at a time which many of our biggest challenges come from the world beyond our borders.